Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What products do you sell?
A: We sell a 6 oz. box of corn flakes called Hometown Stars. The boxes are personalized with pictures of athletic teams, bands, community groups, etc. We also sell two sizes of mini-boxes containing tootsie rolls utilizing the same concept.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Carlisle Cereal Company is located in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Q: What is your focus?
A: Recognition. We focus on recognizing the positive role models from communities in all the lower 48 states. These role models can be school groups such as sports teams, bands, choirs, S.A.D.D., DARE, FBLA, DECA, FFA etc. or community groups such as volunteer firemen, theater groups etc.
Q: Do we have to be a winning team or receive an honor to be on the box?
A: No. You only need to be able to purchase the minimum orders required. It is a way to honor all groups in your community.
Q: Can we feature more than one group on the box?
A: Yes. Our literature shows the area of the box that is available to personalize it. We do not recommend putting groups from two different schools on the same box.
Q: Who gets the photos and information for the box?
A: That is the responsibility of the person ordering the product. If you have any questions or problems, please call our toll free number.
Q: What size and in what form do you want the pictures?
A: Any size picture will do. We will adjust the size to fit area. Please send the actual color picture, if possible. Do not send negatives or pictures from a tournament program, newspaper or fax. They will not reproduce well and you will be disappointed in the quality. We can accept pictures on disc or through e-mail in a .jpg or .jpeg format. Please contact us prior to sending them so we can be sure they are in the proper format.
Q: How much space is available on the boxes to personalize them?
A: There is approximately 6 1/4 inches X 5 inches available on the front of the box and 9 inches X 6 1/4 inches on the back of the 6 ounce cereal box for your cereal design. The 2 ounce tootsie roll box is 3.25 inches wide and 4.5 inches high and the 5 ounce box is 4.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches high.
Q: Do the pictures and information we send in get returned?
A: We return all pictures back to the group once the order is completed.
Q: Do we get a chance to proof the box?
A: We like to send a fax or an e-mail to the group being featured prior to printing so you are satisfied with the design and have checked the box for accuracy. Generally, the school or group does the proofing, but a business who buys the product may get a proof sent to them as well if they wish.
Q: We want to do a fund raiser. Does this product work for that?
A: The Hometown Stars cereal is not designed to be a fund raiser and does not have the potential margin that you may be looking for compared to other programs, although it can be used for that purpose. Its primary purpose is to promote school (or group) spirit, build community pride, and enhance the self-esteem of those on the box. The mini-boxes are more appropriate for fund raising because of the larger potential profit margin.
Q: How long does it take to get the product?
A: You will receive the product in three weeks or less from the time we receive the pictures and information.
Q: Can we reorder?
A: Yes, but you start back at zero quantity for pricing purposes, and must reorder at least the minimum amounts. Time wise, the reorder may take about 10 working days for you to receive.
Q: Can we return the product not sold?
A: No. All sales are final.
Q: What if the customer base of our store involves more than one school?
A: Easy. Do a box for each school. With our low minimum order you still have a small inventory. You can order different quantities for each school. Keep in mind, however, that the pricing is based on the quantity order from each new printing plate.
Q: Can your product be found in our community?
A: We are a specialty product. Our product does not appear regularly on a store shelf. It only appears when a retailer or a local group purchases the product. It is not intended to compete with other cereal.
Q: Do I have exclusive sales rights in my community for the product?
A: Generally, we like to sell to only one entity in the community, so we do not over saturate the market for any particular box. Please ask about that when you place your order.
Q: What does the cereal taste like?
A: It tastes like plain corn flakes. It is certainly good to eat but our surveys show that very few people ever eat the cereal. It is usually never opened (we shrink wrap each box individually) but kept as a keepsake or given as a gift.
Q: Are there any restrictions as to who may appear on the box?
A: There are a very few states that do not allow their athletes to appear on this type of product. If you requested and received a packet of information from us, you are not restricted. We will notify you in advance if there are restrictions.
Q: Are there any additional costs in buying the product?
A: The price list for the Hometown Stars cereal includes shipping so there are no hidden costs. There are shipping costs added for the mini-boxes. That amount is based on which products you buy and how far we need to ship them. Please hit ‘Product and Price’ button for exact costs.
Q: How is the product shipped?
A: Generally by FedEx-Ground.
Q: What about terms of the sale?
A: All sales are final and non-returnable. If there is any damage in shipment, it needs to be reported to us as soon as the product arrives. Our payment policy is payment in advance, unless there has been prior approval of credit. Those receiving credit approval have a net of 30 days.
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